Streambed microstructure predicts evolution of development and life history mode in the plethodontid salamander Eurycea tynerensis

BMC Biology
Ronald M Bonett, Paul T Chippindale

Abstract

Habitat variation strongly influences the evolution of developmentally flexible traits, and may drive speciation and diversification. The plethodontid salamander Eurycea tynerensis is endemic to the geologically diverse Ozark Plateau of south-central North America, and comprises both strictly aquatic paedomorphic populations (achieving reproductive maturity while remaining in the larval form) and more terrestrial metamorphic populations. The switch between developmental modes has occurred many times, but populations typically exhibit a single life history mode. This unique system offers an opportunity to study the specific ecological circumstances under which alternate developmental and life history modes evolve. We use phylogenetic independent contrasts to test for relationships between a key microhabitat feature (streambed sediment) and this major life history polymorphism. We find streambed microstructure (sediment particle size, type and degree of sorting) to be highly correlated with life-history mode. Eurycea tynerensis is paedomorphic in streams containing large chert gravel, but metamorphoses in nearby streams containing poorly sorted, clastic material such as sandstone or siltstone. Deposits of large chert gravel creat...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 15, 2008·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Ladislav BocakAlfred P Vogler
Mar 8, 2013·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Ronald M BonettElizabeth K Timpe
Jun 4, 2014·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Robert P AranRonald M Bonett
Jan 18, 2007·Evolution & Development·David BuckleyMarvalee H Wake
Jan 19, 2018·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Ronald M BonettLuke Lehman
Oct 10, 2013·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Ronald M BonettPaul T Chippindale
Nov 5, 2013·The Journal of Animal Ecology·Mathieu Denoël, Gentile F Ficetola
Feb 20, 2021·Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·Mo LiChaofei Wang
May 16, 2021·Developmental Dynamics : an Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists·Ronald M BonettMathieu Denoël

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